U.K. PARURESIS TRUST

UK paruresis trust

This Discussion Board is for men who find it difficult or impossible to urinate in a public or social situation. Women should use the women's Board.
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You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop

Posted by Jon on 1/2/2015, 8:56 pm

Just back from the January 2015 London Beginners’ Workshop and wanted to add my positive feedback to that of others on here. Yes - of course I was really nervous but am so, so glad that I booked and actually went along, The trainers Andrew and Tom put you at ease right from the start and worked brilliantly with the group who had a really diverse range of issues and concerns in a friendly, supportive and upbeat way.

Everyone was made to feel welcome and at ease and it was so helpful to learn such practical techniques from the trainers, as well as learn from each other and share experiences in an open and non-judgemental environment. I really can’t recommend the beginners’ session highly enough. I’m exhausted right now - and there’s no point pretending that you aren't going to have to work hard and challenge yourself if you attend. But remember that you will be absolutely in control and will never, ever be pressured into doing anything that you don’t want to do.

If you’re hesitating about attending a workshop, just do it. You’ll be so, so glad you did.

Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop

Posted by Peter on 4/2/2015, 8:21 pm, in reply to "You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop"

"If you think you can do something, or if you think you can't do something, you are right" - Henry Ford

As another of the participants at the Beginners' Workshop and a long-time sufferer, I very much concur with Jon and Andrew.

At the Workshop I was always be in control. No one tried to take me out of my comfort zone. Although I was very apprehensive when we started, I soon felt at ease and soon began to make progress.

My fellow participants were friendly and sympathetic, regular guys, just like me (I hope!). I was happy to share my progress with those running the Workshop and pleased that no-one else paid any attention to how I was doing. Like everyone else, I had my own personal issues but it was beneficial to be in a group where everyone shared the same problem, to a greater or lesser extent.

Details of how mind and body are involved in paruresis were explained clearly and concisely, in an engaging and informal way, the Urinary System 1.1 it was not. Anecdotes and details of first-hand experiences made the exposition more relevant.

The Workshop does not promise a "Lazarus, take up thy bed and walk" instant cure, butI found that for the first time I could take control of the problem and was able to change from a "can't do" to a "can do" mindset. For that I am most grateful to the two Course Leaders, to whom I express my sincere thanks.

Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop

Posted by tristan on 5/2/2015, 1:48 pm, in reply to "Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop"

Hello , i am Tristan , i am french and i have followed the 2015 january workshop in London. It was just 200% positive. First,To be with people who suffer of the same phobia decrease my anxiety, we understand each other. Then, the Course Leaders Andrew and Tom made me feel like at home, they are very nice and they explained us many useful information concerning paruresis.
I know, my phobia is not finished but what i can say after this workshop is that i can face it and i have some tools to live my life free of toiletfear.
encore un grand merci a Andrew et Tom.

Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners Workshop

Posted by Andrew on 5/2/2015, 5:46 pm, in reply to "Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop"

Taking control of your life - in one weekend

This weekend I was one of 11 guys who took part in the London Beginners' Workshop. We were all ages, sizes, backgrounds and nationalities (some had even flown from overseas to be there). But we were all suffering from the same problem - and we'd all decided it was time to do something about it.

It had taken me SIX years to make the move from visiting the website to attending this workshop. Now I'm kicking myself that I didn't do it sooner. Yes, it's that good. Yes, you should do it too.

Why is it so good?

You get to meet people just like you. They're not freaks.

You get to explore your issues in a safe, supportive atmosphere. No one is judged. No one is forced to do anything they're not comfortable with. Everyone is included.

You discover all the tools and tricks to start conquering your shy bladder. It's a lot to take in but there's a plain speaking workbook for you to contine reading and using at home.

You might not be 'cured' but you WILL feel strong, motivated and confident that with time, effort and understanding you can take control of your paruresis and your life.

And finally, the course leaders keep everyone engaged, amused and uplifted.

Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners Workshop

Posted by Jose on 5/2/2015, 11:41 pm, in reply to "Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners Workshop"

I was another participant at the Beginner's Workshop and also a long-time sufferer of shy bladder.
I cannot reiterate enough what has been said by fellow participants.

The workshop was intense, exhausting and certainly not the most fun way to spend a weekend in London. However it was enjoyable in a different sense. You'll learn more about shy bladder and yourself in those short 48 hours than often you do over several years.

The workshop caters for people with different levels of shy bladder, from the severe to the mild. We all learn something new and progress on each own's personal hierarchy. The desensitization sessions are adjusted to the severity level and all is done in a friendly and supportive environment.

One of the things I found most valuable was sharing experiences and tips with fellow participants. Even if you had previously confided about your shy bladder to trusted closed ones (which was very helpful when I first did it a few years ago and strongly recommend), no one understands better than a fellow participant, what it means.

Keep in mind though that cure doesn't happen overnight. You'll learn the tools to keep progressing on your own - main one is gradual in-vivo desensitization - but you'll need to persist, stick to a recovery plan, and invest the time to progress.

A big thanks to Andrew and Tom for organizing and leading the workshop. Your time and generosity was much appreciated.

Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners Workshop

Posted by Jay on 22/2/2015, 8:10 pm, in reply to "Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners Workshop"

Hi All, It is great for me to read all of your positive feedback from the beginners workshop.I have finally found the courage to attend one in May.I am looking forward to improving my condition just as you guys all have.thankyou all for posting about your experiences.It is a great inspiration to me.

Re: You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop

Posted by Steve on 13/2/2015, 12:48 pm, in reply to "You are not alone - Feedback from London Beginners’ Workshop"

I almost walked past the hotel, but new I had to go!
(exuse the pun!)
For me it was this or nothing, being at the very end of my teather.
The workshop was great though! All the people at the workshop were really cool and Normal (I was expecting a room full of freaks and aliens)
Andrew and Tom who run the workshop were so open and understanding, supportive and kind. I cant say a bad thing about it.
It felt like I’d finally taken the first step towards getting my life back again!
I hope to meet everyone again, but weather I do or not I know that everyone I met will be a friend for life. We have shared so much together and it was such a safe, supportive environment.
I would urge anyone suffering to go on the course.
It was amazing to find out how the brain works and why things happen.
I’ve got a lot of work to do, but now have the techniques I need to improve and go forward.
I now know that there is actually a light at the end of the tunnel!
A massive thanks to Andrew and Tom!

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